Coupler for use in a closed transfer system

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention provide a coupler for use in a closed transfer system configured to selectively engage a container seated in fluid communication with the coupler. The coupler has a body with a slot having an axial component, and an outlet. A probe extends from a first end portion to a second end portion and is at least partially received within the body, the probe is configured to be movable relative to the body between a first position and a second position to selectively control a flow of fluid through the outlet. A probe tip with a cylindrical bore is configured to engage the second end portion of the probe, and a handle is coupled to the probe and configured to interface with the slot. Axial movement of the handle along the slot moves the probe between the first position and the second position.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/584,679 filed on Nov. 10, 2017, the entire contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to closed transfer systems and methods.Specifically, the invention relates to closed transfer systems andmethods incorporating a coupling system, a cleaning system, and atransfer system that can be used in connection with a closed transfersystem.

Hazardous chemicals are frequently used in various applications, such asagriculture. While the hazardous chemicals may be effective when appliedproperly (e.g., pesticides applied to crops), overexposure may beundesirable. Therefore, regulations often govern the types of vesselsand containers that can be used to store and transfer chemicals.

Hazardous chemicals are removed or transferred from their containers inthe course of being used for their ultimate application. Because thechemicals may have undesirable impacts if improperly used or applied,spills and leaks during chemical transfer is preferably avoided. Aclosed transfer system (CTS) can be used to efficiently transportchemicals from within their chemical containers toward other receptaclesor dispensing mechanisms. Chemical containers can be coupled to a CTS,which can use a pressure differential to motivate chemicals out of thecontainer.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the invention provide a coupler for use in a closedtransfer system configured to selectively engage a container seated influid communication with the coupler. The coupler can have a body with aslot having an axial component, an outlet, and a probe that extends froma first end portion to a second end portion and is at least partiallyreceived within the body. The probe can be configured to be movablerelative to the body between a first position and a second position toselectively control a flow of fluid through the outlet. The coupler canhave a probe tip with a cylindrical bore configured to engage the secondend portion of the probe, and a handle coupled to the probe andconfigured to interface with the slot, wherein axial movement of thehandle along the slot moves the probe between the first position and thesecond position.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a coupler for use in a closedtransfer system having a body with an axial slot, an outlet, and a probewith an inlet near a first end of the probe, a probe tip near a secondend of the probe, and a channel configured to supply a fluid from theinlet to the probe tip. The probe can be at least partially receivedwithin the body and axially movable relative to the body between a firstposition and a second position to provide selective fluid communicationthrough the outlet. The coupler can have a handle coupled to the probeand configured to move within the axial slot, wherein movement of thehandle within the axial slot directly corresponds to movement of theprobe within the body.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a coupler for use in a closedtransfer system with a body having a slot with an axial slot portion anda radial slot portion. The axial slot portion can have a top end and abottom end, and the radial slot portion can have a terminal end and anintersecting end that intersects the bottom end of the axial slotportion. The coupler can have a probe received within the body andmovable between a first position and a second position, and a probe tipcoupled to the probe. A handle can be coupled to the probe and movablealong the slot, wherein movement of the handle from the terminal end tothe intersecting end of the radial slot portion positions the probe foraxial movement between the first position and the second position.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a coupler for use in a closedtransfer system. The coupler can comply with ISO21191. The coupler canhave a body and an inlet and outlet in selective fluid communicationwith one another. A probe can be at least partially received within thebody and is movable relative to the body between a first position and asecond position. The probe extends away from the body further at thesecond position than the first position. The coupler can include alocking mechanism that receives and restrains a container. The lockingmechanism can be movable between a locked an unlocked position, and canbe in a locked position when the probe is in the second position.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a coupler for use in a closedtransfer system. The coupler comprises a body and an inlet and outlet inselective fluid communication with one another. A probe can be at leastpartially received within the body. A rinsing head can be receivedaround and rotatable relative to the probe. The rinsing head can have avane for directing water outwardly away from the rinsing head, and canrotate about the probe in response to fluid being directed through therinsing head.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a coupler for use in a closedtransfer system. The coupler can have a cylindrical probe. Thecylindrical probe can have a distal end protruding from a body of thecoupler. A probe tip can be received around the distal end of thecylindrical probe. A cap can be removably received around and coupled tothe probe tip. A groove can be formed in the outer section of the probetip. The groove can extend through the probe tip to define a rinse waterpassage for supplying rinse water between the probe tip and the cap. Insome embodiments, a drain passage can be formed through the probe tip.The drain passage can be defined by a diameter larger than the diameterdefining the rinse water passage.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a coupler for use in a closedtransfer system. The coupler comprises a cam locking mechanism. The camlocking mechanism can receive and secure a portion of a container. Thecam locking mechanism can have an inner ring comprised of a plurality ofrotatable cams received within an outer ring, which is rotatablerelative to an inner ring. The outer ring can have a plurality ofprojections extending radially inward from a cylindrical outer wall. Theplurality of projections can contact the rotatable cams to transitionthe cam locking mechanism between an unlocked position and a lockedposition.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a coupler for use in a closedtransfer system. The coupler can comprise an inlet and an outlet inselective fluid communication and a probe. The probe can be at leastpartially received within a cylindrical body and can be movable relativeto the cylindrical body. The probe defines a first fluid passageway anda second fluid passageway extending therethrough. The first fluidpassageway transports a first fluid through the body and the secondfluid passageway transports a second fluid different from the firstfluid. In some embodiments, the second fluid passageway extendsannularly around the first fluid passageway. In some embodiments, thefirst fluid passageway is defined by a first tube and the secondpassageway is defined by a second tube positioned coaxially with andaround a portion of the first tube.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a chemical induction unit. Thechemical induction unit comprises a drain pan defining a washing area.The drain pan can be coupled to a water source. A coupler can be mountedto the drain pan. The coupler can have a probe at least partiallyreceived within a body of the coupler and can have a rinsing headreceived around and rotatable relative to the probe. The rinsing headcan be placed in fluid communication with the water source.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a chemical measuring system.The chemical measuring system comprises a coupler having a body. Thebody can have a probe received therein, which is movable between a firstposition and a second position relative to the body. The first positioncan restrict fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet, whilethe second position can allow fluid communication between the inlet andthe outlet. A measuring container can be placed in fluid communicationwith the outlet. A vacuum source can be placed in selectivecommunication with the outlet. In some embodiments, the chemicalmeasuring system further comprises a multi-position valve adapted toselectively restrict fluid communication between the vacuum source, themeasuring container, and the outlet.

These and other features of the disclosure will become more apparentfrom the following description of the illustrative embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closed transfer system according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a coupler present within the closedtransfer system of FIG. 1 in a closed position.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the coupler of FIG. 2 taken alongline 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the coupler of FIG. 2 in an openposition.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the coupler of FIG. 2, taken alongline 5-5 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a cam locking mechanism present inthe coupler of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the cam locking mechanism of FIG.6.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the cam locking mechanism of FIG. 6with a top plate removed.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 6with a bottom plate removed.

FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of an inner housing present withinthe coupler of FIG. 2.

FIG. 10B is a bottom perspective view of the inner housing of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a top perspective view of a disk present within the couplerof FIG. 2.

FIG. 11B is a top plan view of the disk of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of a probe tip present within thecoupler of FIG. 2.

FIG. 12B is a bottom perspective view of the probe tip of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a disassembled cap that can be used tocouple a container to the coupler of FIG. 2.

FIG. 14A is a top perspective view of a plug that can be coupled to thecap of FIG. 13.

FIG. 14B is a bottom perspective view of the plug of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15A is a front view of a probe and probe tip assembly presentwithin the coupler of FIG. 2.

FIG. 15B is a cross-section view of the probe and probe tip assembly ofFIG. 15A, taken along lines 15B-15B.

FIG. 16A is a top perspective view of a rotatable rinse head presentwithin the coupler of FIG. 2.

FIG. 16B is a front view of the rotatable rinse head of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17A is a front view of the closed transfer system of FIG. 1 thatdemonstrates a rinse water flow pattern.

FIG. 17B is a front view of the closed transfer system of FIG. 1 thatdemonstrates a second rinse water flow pattern.

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coupler of FIG. 2.

FIG. 19A is a top perspective view of a grate that is present within thecoupler of FIG. 2.

FIG. 19B is a bottom perspective view of the grate of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 20A is a bottom view of a probe according to an embodiment of theinvention that can be present within the coupler of FIG. 2.

FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view of the probe of FIG. 20A, taken alongline 20B-20B.

FIG. 20C is a cross-sectional view of the probe of FIG. 20A, taken alongline 20C-20C.

FIG. 20D is a perspective cross-sectional view of the probe of FIG. 20A,taken along line 20D-20D.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a liquid measuring system according toone embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a liquid measuring system according toone embodiment.

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of a multi-position valve present in theliquid measuring system of FIG. 21.

FIG. 24A is a top view of a valve housing of the multi-position valve ofFIG. 23.

FIG. 24B is a side view of the valve housing of FIG. 24A.

FIG. 24C is a perspective cross-sectional view of the valve housing ofFIG. 24A, taken along line 24C-24C in FIG. 24A.

FIG. 24D is a perspective cross-sectional view of the valve housing ofFIG. 24A, taken along line 24D-24D in FIG. 24A.

FIG. 24E is a cross-sectional view of the valve housing of FIG. 24A,taken along line 24E-24E in FIG. 24B.

FIG. 24F is a cross-sectional view of the valve housing of FIG. 24A,taken along line 24F-24F in FIG. 24B.

FIG. 25A is a perspective view of a flow control component presentwithin the multi-position valve of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25B is a top view of the flow control component of FIG. 25A.

FIG. 25C is a cross-sectional view of the flow control component of FIG.25A, taken along line 25C-25C in FIG. 25B.

FIG. 25D is a cross-sectional view of the flow control component of FIG.25A, taken along line 25D-25D in FIG. 25B.

FIG. 26 is a bottom perspective view a vacuum inlet piece present in themulti-position valve of FIG. 23.

FIG. 27A is a cross-sectional view of the multi-position valve of FIG.23 showing a first fluid path through the multi-position valve.

FIG. 27B is a cross-sectional view of the multi-position valve of FIG.23 showing a second fluid path through the multi-position valve.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a chemical induction unit according toone embodiment.

FIG. 29A is a perspective view of the chemical induction unit of FIG. 28in a stored position.

FIG. 29B is a perspective view of the chemical induction unit of FIG. 28in an open position.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. Although the drawings representembodiments of the disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scaleand certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrateand explain the embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, theterms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variationsthereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirectmountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected”and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connectionsor couplings.

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in theart to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modificationsto the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to otherembodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of theinvention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to belimited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. Thefollowing detailed description is to be read with reference to thefigures, in which like elements in different figures have like referencenumerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depictselected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope ofembodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize theexamples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall withinthe scope of embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a closed transfer system 100 according to oneembodiment of the invention. The closed transfer system 100 includes acoupler 102 that can access and transfer the contents (e.g., chemicals)within a container 104 to a second location, such as a measuring device(e.g., a measuring container 302, shown in FIG. 21) or a sprayer (notshown). The coupler 102 can also clean or rinse containers 104, and canperform rinse cycles to self-clean some components of the coupler 102.In some embodiments, the coupler 102 can be a component of a chemicalinduction unit (such as the chemical induction unit 400, shown in FIG.28-29B) to rinse chemical containers 104.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the coupler 102 in a closed orientation. The coupler102 has a body 106 that can be cylindrical. An inlet 108 and an outlet110 each extend outwardly from the body 106 to partially define a fluidflow path through the coupler 102. In some embodiments, the inlet 108can be coupled to a water source, while the outlet 110 can be coupled toa vacuum or pump to pull fluid (e.g., water or chemicals) from the body106 out of the outlet 110 and away from the coupler 102. The vacuum orpump can be omitted, as the outlet 110 can also remove fluid from thecontainer 104 using gravity. In some embodiments, the inlet 108 andoutlet 110 each extend outwardly from the body 106, and can be coupledto fluid sources and fluid receptacles, respectively. A probe 112, whichincludes the inlet 108, is at least partially received within the body106 and can extend completely through the body 106. The probe 112 canselectively restrict fluid flow between the inlet 108 and the outlet110.

With further reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the probe 112 can be movedrelative to the body 106 between a first position (shown in FIGS. 2 and3) and a second position (shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5) along alongitudinal axis X-X. When the probe 112 is in the first position, theprobe 112 can be entirely received within the body 106, and the coupler102 is “closed.” The probe 112 is positioned within the fluid pathbetween the container 104 and the outlet 110 to restrict the flow ofwater or chemicals out of the container 104. To “open” the coupler 102,the probe 112 can be moved to the second position. In the secondposition, the probe 112 extends upwardly from the body 106 further thanin the first position, and can extend at least partially into acontainer 104 positioned above the coupler 102. When the probe 112 ismoved upwardly to the second position, the probe 112 obstructs the flowpath between the container 104 and the outlet 110 less, and the contentsof the container 104 can flow to the outlet 110.

The probe 112 can be moved between the first position and the secondposition using a handle 114. The handle 114 can be coupled to the probe112, and can extend outwardly from the body 106 to be manipulated by auser. In some embodiments, the handle 114 is coupled to a disk 116 thatis received around the probe 112 and positioned within the body 106. Thehandle 114 can be rotated or raised, which in turn causes the disk 116and probe 112 to rotate or raise. In some embodiments, a slot 118 isformed in the body 106 to restrict the allowable motion of the handle114 (and probe 112) relative to the body 106. The slot 118 can have bothradial components 120 and axial components 122, 124 to transition theprobe 112 between the first position and the second position.

Prior to transitioning the probe 112 from the first position to thesecond position, a container 104 can be secured to the coupler 102. Toconnect the container 104 to the coupler 102, a cylindrical wall 126(shown in FIG. 3) can extend downward from a ring-shaped cover 127coupled to the top of the body 106 to define a recess 128 positionedabout the longitudinal axis X-X. The recess 128 can receive a containercap 130, such as, for example, a standard 63 mm screw cap. In someembodiments, the cylindrical wall 126 extends concentrically around theprobe 112, which can extend upward into the container cap 130 to accessthe contents of the container 104.

The cap 130 is preferably locked into place within the recess 128 toavoid any accidental disconnection of the container 104 from the coupler102. To lock the cap 130 within the recess 128, a cam locking mechanism132 is positioned within the body 106 beneath the ring-shaped cover 127.In some embodiments, the cam locking mechanism 132 is positioned aboutthe longitudinal axis X-X, and is also approximately concentric with theprobe 112. The cam locking mechanism 132 can be movable between a lockedposition and an unlocked position to releasably couple the cap 130 tothe coupler 102.

The cam locking mechanism 132 can include a top plate 134 and a bottomplate 136, which can house a plurality of rotatable cams 138, as shownin FIGS. 6 and 7. In some embodiments, the top plate 134 is rotatablyengaged with the bottom plate 136, which allows relative rotationbetween the top plate 134 and the bottom plate 136. The top plate 134can be coupled to the body 106 (e.g., via fasteners), while the bottomplate 136 can be coupled to an inner housing 140 received within thebody 106 and coupled to the outlet 110.

The rotatable cams 138 can be coupled to the top plate 134 using aplurality of dowel pins 142, shown in FIG. 9. The dowel pins 142 areformed integrally with the top plate 134, and can extend through slots144 formed in a section of each rotatable cam 138. The slots 144 canhave an elongate oval shape that can receive the dowel pin 142, whichserves as a pivot point to allow rotation and translation of the cam 138about the dowel pin 142. In some embodiments, the slots 144 constrainthe motion of the cams 138 within the cam locking mechanism 132.

The cams 138 can be rotated between an unlocked and locked position byrelative rotation between the top plate 134 and the bottom plate 136. Asshown in FIG. 8, the plurality of cams 138 form an inner ring 146 withinthe cam locking mechanism 132. In some embodiments, the cams 138 can becoupled to each other using one or more springs (not shown) coupled toone or more pins 145, shown in FIG. 9. The cams 138 are received withinthe outer ring 148 formed in the bottom plate 136. The outer ring 148 isdefined by a cylindrical wall 150 extending circumferentially around thebottom plate 136. The cylindrical wall 150 has a plurality ofprojections 152 extending radially inward toward the center of bottomplate 136 from the cylindrical wall 150. In some embodiments, theplurality of projections 152 spiral inwardly in a spiral configurationaway from the cylindrical wall 150.

The inward spiral of the projections 152 formed in the cylindrical wall150 and the arcuate shape of the cams 138 combine to produce rotationaland translational motion of the cams 138 about the dowel pins 142. Asshown in FIG. 8, each cam 138 can be positioned proximate to aprojection 152. When the bottom plate 136 is rotated relative to the topplate 134, the bottom plate 136 also rotates relative to the cams 138,which are coupled to the top plate 134. As the bottom plate 136 rotates,the position of the projection 152 relative to the cam 138 changes. Forexample, when the bottom plate 136 shown in FIG. 8 is rotated clockwise,the projections 152 each rotate closer to the pivot point (i.e., thedowel pin 142) of each cam 138, causing the end of the cam 138 oppositethe slot 144 to rotate inward. The inward rotation of the cams 138causes a diameter of the inner ring 146 to decrease, which then engagesan annular channel 131 (shown in FIG. 13) and locks the cap 130 of acontainer 104 to the cam locking mechanism 132. Relative rotationbetween the bottom plate 136 and the top plate 134 can also unlock thecam locking mechanism 132. Counterclockwise rotation of the bottom plate136 relative to the top plate 134 moves the projections 152 away fromthe pivot point of each cam 138, and allows the inner ring 146 to expandagainst the biasing of the springs (not shown) to an unlocked diameterlarger than the locked diameter. The cap 130 of a container 104 can thenbe removed from the cam locking mechanism 132. Although the bottom plate136 has been described as being rotated relative to the top plate 134,the top plate 134 can instead be rotated relative to the bottom plate136 to produce the same cam 138 rotation between locked and unlockedpositions.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show the inner housing 140, which can rotate relativeto the body 106 to activate the cam locking mechanism 132. The initiallocking of the cam locking mechanism 132 around a cap 130 can beperformed by rotating the outlet 110 relative to the body 106, whichcauses rotation of the inner housing 140 relative to the body 106. Theoutlet 110, which is coupled to a boss 154 formed in the inner housing140, extends through a guide 156 (shown in FIG. 1) formed in the body106. The guide 156 extends circumferentially about a portion of the body106. For example, the guide 156 can extend about 90 degrees around thebody 106 to allow approximately 90 degrees of relative rotation betweenthe outlet 110 and the body 106. Rotation of the outlet 110 (andtherefore inner housing 140) within the guide 156 and relative to thebody 106 causes rotation of the bottom plate 136 of the cam lockingmechanism 132 relative to the top plate 134, which in turn causes thecams 138 to rotate and lock or unlock a cap 130 that may be presentwithin the recess 128.

In order to prevent a user from accessing the contents of a container104 (and possibly spilling or contacting chemicals) before the container104 is properly locked to the coupler 102, an interlock mechanism isprovided. Specifically, the interlock mechanism can restrict a user frommoving the handle 114 upward relative to the body 106 and translatingthe probe 112 between the first position and the second position unlessthe cam locking mechanism 132 has been locked around the cap 130 of acontainer 104.

A locking pin 158 (shown in FIG. 1) is coupled to the inner housing 140,and extends downward away from the inner housing 140 within the body106. The locking pin 158 can be coupled to a blind hole 160 formed inthe inner housing 140. In some embodiments, the locking pin 158 iscoupled to the blind hole 160 using an interference fit. Because thelocking pin 158 is coupled to the inner housing 140, the locking pin 158rotates in concert with the outlet 110 (and inner housing 140) when itis rotated relative to the body 106.

The locking pin 158 is selectively engaged with an arcuate guided track162 formed in the disk 116, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. The lockingpin 158 and the guided track 162 constrain the movement of the handle114, disk 116, and probe 112 relative to the body 106. The guided track162 extends into and through a portion of the disk 116, and receives aportion of the locking pin 158 therein. The guided track 162 can bedefined by multiple different depths, which can allow the handle 114,disk 116, and probe 112 to translate between multiple differentpositions relative to the body 106. In some embodiments, the guidedtrack 162 has three sections: a first section 164, a second section 166,and a third section 168. Each section 164, 166, and 168 is formed at adifferent depth into the disk 116 that corresponds to three differenthandle 114 positions relative to the body 106 and the slot 118.

Before the outlet 110 is rotated relative to the body 106 to lock thecam locking mechanism 132, the locking pin 158 is aligned within andextends into a portion of the third section 168 of the guided track 162.The third section 168 of the guided track 162 can be a through holehaving a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the locking pin158. When the locking pin 158 is positioned within the third section168, the handle 114 may be restricted from rotating from its restingposition (e.g., rotated counterclockwise within the radial component 120of the slot 118). The locking pin 158 can contact an outer surface 169of the guided track 162, which can restrict clockwise movement of thehandle 114 and the disk 116. The radial component 120 of the slot 118restricts counterclockwise rotation and elevational translation of thehandle 114 relative to the body 106, effectively blocking the coupler102 from being “opened.”

Once the outlet 110 and inner housing 140 are rotated relative to thebody 106 to lock the cam locking mechanism 132, the locking pin 158 issimilarly rotated relative to the disk 116. When the cam lockingmechanism 132 has been locked, the locking pin 158 is aligned with andreceived within the first section 164. The handle 114, disk 116, andprobe 112 can be first rotated relative to the body 106. The rotation ofthe handle, disk 116, and probe 112 is constrained by the locking pin158 and the first section 164 of the guided track 162, as well as theradial component 120 of the slot 118. Once the handle 114 has reachedthe first axial component 122 of the slot 118, the locking pin 158 isaligned with and received within the second section 166 of the guidedtrack 162, which has a depth greater than the first section 164. Thehandle 114 can again be further urged radially and axially within theslot 118, until the second axial component 124 of the slot 118 isreached. At this location, the locking pin 158 is aligned within thethird section 168, which extends entirely through the disk 116. Thehandle 114 can then be urged upwardly within the second axial component124 of the slot 118 to then raise the handle 114, disk 116, and probe112 relative to the body 106. The locking pin 158 extends through thethird section 168 of the guided track 162, and friction between thelocking pin 158 and the third section 168 of the guided track 162 canprovide some resistance to movement of the handle 114, the disk 116, andthe probe 112 when in the elevated position. When the handle 114 israised, the probe 112 is in the second position and the coupler 102 is“open.”

FIGS. 12A and 12B show a probe tip 170 that can be coupled to an end ofthe probe 112 opposite the inlet 108. The probe tip 170 defines acylindrical bore 172 that receives the end of the probe 112 opposite theinlet 108. When the probe 112 is in the first position, the probe tip170 can be received within the body 106 and the recess 128. When theprobe 112 is transitioned to the second position, the probe tip 170 canextend outwardly beyond the body 106, and can extend into a container104 that is locked to the coupler 102.

The probe tip 170 has a seal engaging section 174 that engages anddisplaces a plug (e.g., the plug 192, shown in FIG. 13) of the cap 130to allow access to the contents of a container 104. The seal engagingsection 174 has a top surface 176 and a first cylindrical wall 178extending away from and defining the outer perimeter of the top surface176. A tapered section 180 extends outwardly and downwardly away fromthe first cylindrical wall 178, toward a second cylindrical wall 182.The second cylindrical wall 182 extends downward from the taperedsection 180 toward a shoulder 184 facing opposite the top surface 176. Athird cylindrical wall 186 extends away from the shoulder 184, toward astep 188 facing opposite the shoulder 184. A sealing groove 190 can beformed in the step 188, and can receive an O-ring or other type of seal.

When the coupler 102 transitions from closed to open, the probe 112 andprobe tip 170 are urged upward relative to the body 106 and the cap 130,which is locked within the cam locking mechanism 132. The seal engagingsection 174 is urged upward into the cap 130, where it contacts the plug192 positioned within the cap 130, shown in FIGS. 13, 14A, and 14B. Theplug 192 includes flexible tabs 194 extending away from a first plugseat 196 and a second plug seat 198. As the seal engaging section 174 ofthe probe tip 170 is being urged upward into the cap 130, the flexibletabs 194 rotate radially inward to release the plug 192 from a threadedportion 200 of the cap 130. The flexible tabs 194 can then engage thesecond cylindrical wall 182 of the probe tip 170 to releasably couplethe plug 192 to the probe tip 170. The plug 192 can then be displacedupwardly away from the threaded portion 200 of the cap 130 into thecontainer 104, which removes the seal between the coupler 102 andcontainer 104, and opens a fluid flow path 202 between the container 104and the outlet 110, as shown in FIG. 5. The contents of the container104 can then be accessed by and removed through the coupler 102.

To return the plug 192 to the threaded portion 200 of the cap 130 andrestore the seal between the container 104 and coupler 102, the probe112 and the probe tip 170 can be lowered using the handle 114. When theprobe tip 170 is lowered relative to the body 106 and the cap 130, thefirst plug seat 196 and second plug seat 198 can compressively engagethe threaded portion 200 of the plug 192. As the probe tip 170 islowered further, the flexible tabs 194 of the plug rotate outward torelease the seal engaging section 174 of the probe tip and reengage withthe threaded portion 200 of the cap 130. In some embodiments, theflexible tabs 194 have barbs (not shown) extending inward and outwardfrom the tabs 194 to releasably couple the plug 192 to both the threadedportion 200 of the cap 130 and to the shoulder 184 and secondcylindrical wall 182 of the probe tip, depending on the position of theprobe tip 170 relative to the plug 192. When the tabs 194 reengage thethreaded portion 200 of the plug 192, a fluidic seal is reestablishedbetween the coupler 102 and the container 104.

After the contents of the container 104 are accessed by the coupler 102,the closed transfer system 100 can be rinsed. In some embodiments, therinsing process includes rinsing the interior of the container 104, aswell as the cap plug 192 and the probe tip 170. However, if thecontainer 104 is not empty, the rinsing process may include only rinsingthe cap plug 192 and the probe tip 170.

To perform the rinsing process, the coupler 102 is placed incommunication with a water source (not shown). In some embodiments, thewater source is coupled to the inlet 108, which can be formed as a holeextending through an outer wall 204 of the probe 112, shown in FIG. 15A.Rinse water is received through the inlet 108, which then fills andflows upwardly through an annular chamber 206 formed within the probe112. The annular chamber 206 can be formed of stainless steel, and canbe defined by the outer wall 204 of the probe 112 and an air tube 208received within the probe 112. In some embodiments, the air tube 208 andouter wall 204 are positioned concentrically about the longitudinal axisX-X.

Rinse water continues to travel upward in the annular chamber 206 untilit reaches a first rinse water outlet 210. The first rinse water outlet210 can be a slot extending through the outer wall 204 of the probe 112,which allows water to exit the annular chamber 206 and the probe 112 toan external environment. In some embodiments, the first rinse wateroutlet 210 is aligned with a second rinse water outlet 212 formedthrough a rinsing section 214 of the probe tip 170, as shown in FIGS.12A and 12B. During the assembly of the coupler 102, the rinse wateroutlet 210 and the second rinse water outlet 212 can be used to alignthe probe tip 170 properly with the probe 112.

A rotating rinse head 216, shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, can be receivedaround a portion of the probe tip 170. In some embodiments, the rotatingrinse head 216 is rotatably coupled to the rinsing section 214 of theprobe tip 170 and can distribute rinse water exiting the rinse wateroutlets 210, 212. The rotating rinse head 216 can be divided into twosemi-annular components 218, 220, which can be coupled together aroundthe rinsing section 214 using dowel pins (not shown). The rotating rinsehead 216 can rotate 360 degrees relative to the probe 112.

The rotating rinse head 216 distributes water in multiple directions byemploying one or more different vanes 222, which extend through aportion of the rotating rinse head 216. For example, the rotating rinsehead 216 can include axial vanes 224 and radial vanes 226. The axialvanes 224 can be defined by two parabolic walls 228, 230 anglingupwardly away from one another to direct rinse water upward. When rinsewater contacts the axial vanes 224, it is directed away from the probe112 to rinse or clean the surfaces of the container 104 positioned abovethe probe tip 170. In some embodiments, the axial vanes 224 produce aflow pattern similar to the flow pattern 232 shown in FIG. 17A.

The radial vanes 226 can form a diffuser that directs water radiallyoutward, upward, and downward from the rotating rinse head 216. In someembodiments, the radial vanes 226 are formed as channels 234 extendingfrom an outer surface 236 of the rotating rinse head 216 through theinner surface 238 of the rotating rinse head 216. The channels 234 canextend outwardly from the inner surface 238 to form a flow pathapproximately tangent to the inner surface 238 of the rotating rinsehead. The radial vanes 226 can produce the flow pattern 239 shown inFIG. 17B, which causes the rotating rinse head 216 to rotate relative tothe probe tip 170. In some embodiments, two radial vanes 226 arepositioned opposite of one another in the rotating rinse head 216 andtogether create a couple (i.e., two parallel forces approximately equalin magnitude) that causes the rotating rinse head 216 to spin about theprobe tip 170 when the container 104 is being rinsed. As the rotatingrinse head 216 spins 360 degrees about the probe tip 170, desirablebroad coverage of the surfaces of the container 104 can be contacted byrinse water to flush the system.

As indicated previously, the plug 192 and probe tip 170 can also berinsed. In some embodiments, the probe 112 is first removed from thecontainer 104 by lowering the handle 114, so that the plug 192 isrecoupled to the threaded portion 200 of the cap 130. Rinse water canagain be supplied through the inlet 108 in the probe 112, and can passthrough the annular chamber 206 and out of the first and second rinsewater outlets 210, 212. If the rotating rinse head 216 is containedwithin the inner housing 140 when the probe 112 is lowered, water canalso fill the rotating rinse head 216. A groove 240, shown in FIG. 12A,is formed within the rinsing section 214 of the probe tip 170, whichextends upwardly toward the draining section 242 of the probe tip 170. Arinse water passage 244, shown in FIGS. 12A, 12B and 18, is formed inthe draining section 242, and extends upward through the seal engagingsection 174 to form a cap rinse outlet 246 formed in the top surface176. Together, the groove 240 and the rinse water passage 244 can directwater from the rinse water outlets 210, 212 upward through the probe tip170 and out of the cap rinse outlet 246 to contact and rinse the topsurface 176 of the probe tip 170 and the first plug seat 196 and secondplug seat 198.

A drain passage 248 can be formed through the seal engaging section 174of the probe tip 170 to drain rinse water present between the plug 192and the top surface 176. In some embodiments, the drain passage 248 is acountersunk hole extending from the top surface 176 of the probe tip 170downward through the seal engaging section 174, as shown in FIG. 18. Thedrain passage 248 can be defined by a diameter larger than the diameterdefining the rinse water passage 244. In some embodiments, the drainpassage 248 directs rinse water downward onto an umbrella valve 250seated on a grate 252 that is positioned within the rinsing section 214of the probe tip 170.

In addition to providing rinse water, the probe 112 can also provide airinto the container 104, which aids the flow of liquid out of thecontainer 104 to the outlet 110. As shown in FIG. 15B, the probe 112includes an air tube 208 positioned concentrically within the outer wall204. In some embodiments, an inlet 254 is formed at the bottom of theair tube 208 to supply ambient air from the environment. The air travelsup the air tube 208, toward an outlet 256. Air can then exit the outlet256, upward toward the grate 252.

As shown in FIGS. 18, 19A, and 19B, the grate 252 has a disk-like shape.The grate 252 can be received within the cylindrical bore 172 of theprobe tip 170, and can rest above the probe 112. One or more holes 258can be formed in the grate 252, which can extend through the grate 252to allow air from the air tube 208 to be released. A center hole 260 canbe positioned at the center of the grate 252 to receive the stem of anumbrella valve 250. The umbrella valve 250 acts as a check valve, andcan selectively allow air into the container 104 while the contents(e.g., chemicals) of the container are being removed through the outlet110. When the pressure differential between the air within the air tube208 (which is approximately atmospheric) and the fluid within thecontainer 104 crosses a threshold value, air is sucked upward throughthe air tube 208. The pressure differential causes the resilientelastomeric material of the umbrella valve 250 to flex upward,uncovering the holes 258 in the grate 252. Air can then pass through theholes 258 to join the container 104, which allows a steady anduninterrupted flow of liquid out of the container 104.

FIGS. 20A-20D show a second embodiment of a probe 262 that can be usedin the closed transfer system 100 and coupler 102. The probe 262 canhave a generally cylindrical shape. The probe 262 can have a tip 264integrally molded with the probe body 266. The probe 262 has three walls268, 270, 272 extending outward from a longitudinal axis Y-Y of theprobe 262. The three walls 268, 270, 272 define three separate chambers274, 276, 278 for supplying air and rinse water to various parts of thecoupler 102 and container 104. In some embodiments, the first chamber274 is supplied with rinse water, while the second and third chambers276, 278 are supplied with air. A rinse head outlet 280 can be formedthrough the probe body 266, which supplies rinse water from the firstchamber 274 to the rotating rinse head 216 coupled to the probe 262.Passages 282 can be formed in a top surface 284 of the probe 262, andcan allow rinse water from the first chamber 274 to pass upward beyondthe rinse head outlet 280 to supply rinse water between the cap 130 andthe top surface 284 of the probe 262. In some embodiments, an umbrellavalve (not shown) is used to selectively allow air to escape from thesecond and third chambers 276, 278.

FIG. 21 shows a liquid measuring system 300. The liquid measuring system300 can controllably transfer liquid from a container (e.g., thecontainer 104, shown in FIG. 1) into a measuring container 302 using acoupler 102, a vacuum source, and a multi-position valve 304 coupled tothe vacuum source. After the liquid is transferred to the measuringcontainer 302, it can be transferred again to a second receptacle, suchas a sprayer, for example.

To use the liquid measuring system 300, a container 104 is first placedwithin the coupler 102. The inner housing 140 and the outlet 110 arerotated relative the body 106, which rotates the cam locking mechanism132 to secure the cap 130 of the container 104 to the coupler 102. Thehandle 114 can be rotated and raised within the slot 118 to rotate andraise the probe 112. The probe tip 170 engages the plug 192 of the cap130, which releases the plug 192 from the cap 130 and couples the plug192 to the probe tip 170. The probe tip 170 can be further raised untilit protrudes upwardly beyond the body 106 and extends into the container104. Fluid communication between the container 104 and the outlet 110 isthen established.

In some embodiments, the vacuum source can be powered on. Themulti-position valve 304 can then be toggled to “MEASURE.” When themulti-position valve 304 is rotated to the position corresponding to“MEASURE,” the vacuum source is placed in fluid communication with themeasuring container 302 (e.g., using a conduit or hose coupled to themulti-position valve 304 and the measuring container 302), which lowersthe pressure within the measuring container 302. Because the measuringcontainer 302 is in fluid communication with the outlet 110 (which is influid communication with the container 104, when the probe 112 israised), the low pressure draws liquid out of the container 104, throughthe coupler 102, and out the outlet 110, where it enters and fills themeasuring container 302. A user can view different measurement scalespresent on the measuring container 302 to verify that the proper amountof liquid has been transferred from the container 104 to the measuringcontainer 302. To adjust the amount of liquid within the measuringcontainer 302 more gradually, the handle 114 can be used to control theflow of liquid out of the container 104. In some situations, a user mayneed to raise and lower the handle 114 quickly to draw out only a smallvolume of liquid from the container 104.

Once the desired amount of liquid is present within the measuringcontainer 302, the multi-position valve 304 can be rotated to theposition corresponding to “TRANSFER.” When the multi-position valve isrotated to the position corresponding to “TRANSFER,” the vacuum sourceis placed in fluid communication with a second receptacle (e.g., using aconduit or hose), such as a sprayer (not shown), to draw the liquidwithin the measuring container 302 out of the measuring container 302and into the second receptacle, where it can be dispersed.

Once the liquid within the measuring container 302 is transferred out ofthe measuring container 302, a rinsing process for the entire liquidmeasuring system 300 can be performed. The rinsing process can begin byfirst toggling the multi-position valve 304 to the positioncorresponding to “RINSE.” The probe tip 170 can be extended upwardlyinto the container 104, and rinse water can be supplied to the inlet 108of the probe 112. The rinse water exits and flows out of the coupler 102through the vanes 222 of the rotating rinse head 216, which direct therinse water upward and outward and spin the rotating rinse head 216three hundred sixty (360) degrees about the probe tip 170 into thecontainer 104. During the rinsing process, the vacuum source can providesuction to the outlet 110, which outputs the rinse water to a drain orother receptacle when the rinsing process is complete. When thecontainer 104 and cap 130 are rinsed, the outlet 110 and inner housing140 can be rotated relative to the body 106 of the coupler to unlock thecap 130 from the cam locking mechanism. Once the cap 130 is unlocked,the container 104 can be removed from the liquid measuring system 300.

Once the container 104 is rinsed, the cap 130 and probe tip 170 can berinsed. To perform this rinsing process, the handle 114 is loweredwithin the slot 118 to the axial component 122, allowing the plug 192coupled to the probe tip 170 to recouple with the cap 130. Water isintroduced upward through the inlet 108 and into the groove 240 and upthrough the rinse water passage 244, where it can then rinse theinterface between the plug 192 and the probe tip 170.

After the coupler 102 and container 104 rinsing process is completed,the measuring container 302 can be rinsed. A rotating nozzle 306 can beplaced within the container. The rotating nozzle 306 can spray jets ofwater about the entire measuring container 302 to remove debris orresidue and clean the measuring container 302 for future use. In someembodiments, the rotating nozzle is a Hypro® ProClean™ Container Nozzle.After the measuring container 302 has been adequately rinsed, the vacuumsource can be powered off, and the liquid measuring system 300 is readyfor a subsequent use.

The liquid measuring system 300 can further comprise overfill featuresto ensure that the unit does not exceed acceptable operating conditions.For example, a ball and cage calve 308 can be placed within themeasuring container 302 to monitor the pressure and/or level of thefluid within the measuring container 302. If the fluid within themeasuring container 302 causes the ball to raise within the cage, theball may form a fluidic seal between the measuring container 302 and thevacuum. Accordingly, the vacuum cannot draw additional liquid into themeasuring container 302, which can prevent overfilling of the measuringcontainer 302.

An air inlet valve 310 can also be coupled to the multi-position valve304 to introduce air into the multi-position valve 304. The air inletvalve 310 can provide air to the measuring container 302 to improve theflow of liquid between the measuring container 302 and a secondreceptacle. In some embodiments, the air inlet valve 310 includes aquarter-turn ball valve that can be opened or closed using a handle. Aone-way check valve can also be included in the air inlet valve 310 toinhibit liquid from escaping out of the multi-position valve 304 throughthe air inlet valve 310. In some embodiments, the air inlet valve 310 isopen to the atmosphere and draws air into the measuring container 302when the measuring container 302 is being emptied during a “TRANSFER”process, for example.

In some embodiments, an offset measuring container 312 is used in theliquid measuring system 300 in place of the measuring container 302. Theoffset measuring container 312 can reduce the footprint of the liquidmeasuring system 300, and can enable a user to readily view themeasurement markings on the measuring container 312 without moving. Theoffset measuring container 312 can also permit a convenient adaptationto the particular space availability on a sprayer that the liquidmeasuring system 300 can be coupled to.

FIGS. 23-26 illustrate the fluid flow paths through the multi-positionvalve 304. The multi-position valve 304 includes a housing 314, a flowcontrol component 316, a vacuum plate 318, and an actuator 320 coupledto the flow control component 316 to rotate the flow control component316 relative to the housing 314. The flow control component 316 can bereceived within the housing 314 and the vacuum plate 318, and canselectively determine the flow path of fluid through the multi-positionvalve 304.

In some embodiments, the multi-position valve 304 defines at least twodifferent, interchangeable fluid flow paths. For example, themulti-position valve 304 can define a “RINSE” flow path, a “TRANSFER”flow path, and a “MEASURE” flow path. A desired fluid flow path can beselected by rotating the actuator 320 to line up with the desiredmulti-position valve 304 function (e.g., rinsing). The actuator 320rotates the flow control component 316 within the housing 314 toestablish the flow path corresponding to the selected function.

The flow paths defined by the multi-position valve 304 extend throughthe housing 314. In some embodiments, the housing 314 has a firstchannel 322 and a second channel 324 that extend through the housing314. The first channel 322 and the second channel 324 can be spacedaxially apart from one another, so that the first channel 322 and thesecond channel 324 do not intersect. The first channel 322 can extendthrough the housing 314 to form four similar passageways 323 A, B, C,and D defined by a first diameter. The second channel 324 can extendthrough the housing 314 to form two similar passageways 325, 1 and 2,defined by a second diameter larger than the first diameter. In someembodiments, exterior sections 326 of the first channel 322 and thesecond channel 324 are threaded to allow hoses, tubes, or other fluidtransferring devices to be coupled to the housing 314. The first channel322 and the second channel 324 are in selective fluid communication withthe vacuum source, which can be toggled by the actuator 320. In someembodiments, rotation of the flow control component 316 places onepassageway 325 (e.g., passageway 1) of the second channel 324 in fluidcommunication with the vacuum source and restricts fluid communicationbetween the second passageway 325 (e.g., passageway 2) of the secondchannel 324 and the vacuum source. Additional rotation of the flowcontrol component 316 can restrict fluid communication between the firstpassageway 325 of the second channel 324 and the vacuum source and canplace the second passageway 325 in fluid communication with the vacuumsource. The passageway 325 in fluid communication with the vacuum sourcecan motivate flow of fluid through the first channel 322.

The flow control component 316 is received within a stepped bore 328that can extend through the housing 314. A cylindrical outer wall 330defined by a first wall radius extends away from a step 334 formedthrough the housing 314 to define a first bore 332. The first channel322 extends inwardly toward and through the first bore 332 of thehousing. A second cylindrical wall 336 extends away from a shoulder 338to define a second bore 340. The second cylindrical wall 336 can bedefined by a second wall radius larger than the first wall radius. Thesecond channel 324 can extend toward and through the second bore 340.

The flow control component 316 extends into the stepped bore 328 tocompressively engage the step 334 and shoulder 338, which restrictsfluid communication (and may include various gaskets and seals) betweenthe first channel 322 and the second channel 324 through the steppedbore 328. The flow control component 316 can include several stackedcylindrical sections, which mate with the housing 314. A firstcylindrical section 344 can extend away from a key 342 formed at adistal end of the flow control component 316. A second cylindricalsection 346, larger than the first cylindrical section 344, can extendaway from the first cylindrical section 344 to define first matingsurface 348. A third cylindrical section 350 extends away from thesecond cylindrical section 346 to define a second mating surface 352.When the flow control component 316 is installed into the housing 314,the first mating surface 348 can engage the step 334 to formcompressive, sealing contact between the housing 314 and the flowcontrol component 316. The second mating surface 352 can engage theshoulder 338 to form a second sealing contact between the housing 314and the flow control component 316.

A first flow passage 354 can be formed through the second cylindricalsection 346. The first flow passage 354 can have an L-shape formed oftwo channels 356 extending inwardly toward one another to intersect atan approximately right angle. Similarly, a second flow passage 358 canbe formed through the third cylindrical section 350. The second flowpassage 358 can also have an L-shape formed of two channels 360extending inwardly toward one another to intersect at an approximatelyright angle. In some embodiments, the second flow passage 358 isangularly offset from the first flow passage 354 by about 90 degrees. Asshown in FIGS. 25A, 25C, and 25D, the channels 356 of the first flowpassage 354 open upward and outward, while the channels 360 of thesecond flow passage 358 open outward and downward. In some embodiments,the second flow passage 358 includes a third channel 362 extendingaxially through a portion of the third cylindrical section 350. Thethird channel 362 can be placed in fluid communication with the vacuumsource.

A vacuum plate 318 can be coupled to the housing 314 to secure the flowcontrol device 316 within the housing 314. The vacuum plate 318 can havea boss 364 extending outwardly from the plate to receive the vacuumsource. In some embodiments, the boss 364 is threaded, so that a vacuumhose or other tubing can be threadably coupled to the boss 364. Anorifice 366 is formed through the boss 364 to place the third channel362 and second flow passage 358 in fluid communication with the vacuumsource, once it is coupled to the vacuum plate 318.

FIGS. 27A and 27B demonstrate the operation of the flow control device316 when the actuator 320 is in the “TRANSFER” position. When theactuator 320 is in the “TRANSFER” position, the flow control device 316provides a fluid flow path that removes liquid from the measuringcontainer 302. The fluid flow path is partially defined by the firstchannel 322 and the first flow passage 354, which places only two of thefour passageways 323 (A and B) of the first channel 322 in fluidcommunication with one another. Accordingly, the solid, secondcylindrical section 346 of the flow control device 316 prevents fluidfrom flowing out of the right-hand or bottom passageway 323 (C and D),and defines a fluid flow path between the left-hand passageway 323 (A)and the top passageway 323 (B). The second channel 324 and the secondflow passage 358 provide a similar function. The L-shape of the secondflow passage 358 provides fluid communication between the third channel362 and only one of the two passageways 325 of the second channel 324.If the third channel 362 is placed in fluid communication with thevacuum source, air can be removed from the third channel 362 and thepassageway 325 (1) in fluid communication with the third channel 362 todirect the flow of liquid out of the measuring container 302 (and/orfrom the coupler 102) toward a second receptacle. To adjust the flowpath, the actuator 320 can be rotated, which changes the alignment ofthe first flow passage 354 and the second flow passage 358 relative tothe first and second channels 322, 324 to define a new flow path.

A plurality of connections can be made with the exterior sections 326 toestablish fluid flow paths through the liquid measuring system 300. Insome embodiments, passageway 323 (A) is connected to an air inlet valve310, passageway 323 (B) is coupled to the measuring container 302 (e.g.,via a nozzle), and passageway 323 (C) is coupled to a rinse watersource. In some embodiments, passageway 323 (D) can be closed or omittedentirely. Passageway 325 (1) can be placed in communication with thebottom/outlet of the measuring container 302, while passageway 325 (2)can be placed in fluid communication with the ball and cage valve 308and the top of the measuring container 302.

In FIGS. 27A and 27B, the multi-position valve 304 is in a “TRANSFER”position, which places the vacuum source in communication with thepassageway 325 (1) in communication with the bottom of the measuringcontainer 302. Liquid is drawn out of the measuring container 302, intothe passageway 325 (1), through the channel 360, and out of themulti-position valve 304 through the third channel 362 formed in theflow control device 316. As liquid is being drained from the measuringcontainer 302 through the multi-position valve 304, air can beintroduced into the measuring container 302. Air enters through the airinlet valve 310, into passageway 323 (A), through the first flow passage354 formed in the flow control device 316, and out the passageway 323(B), where it can join the top of the measuring container 302 to avoidthe formation of a vacuum above the liquid in the tank. Fluid may alsobe drawn from the coupler 102 (and/or the measuring container 302) whenthe multi-position valve 304 is in the “TRANSFER” position.

The multi-position valve 304 can be rotated from this position clockwiseto produce a “RINSE” function, or counterclockwise to produce a“MEASURE” function. When the valve is rotated clockwise to the “RINSE”function, the passageway (1) remains in fluid communication with thevacuum source and the bottom of the measuring container 302. Any liquid(e.g., rinse water) present within the measuring container 302 can bedrawn out through the passageway 325 (1), through the channel 360, andout of the multi-position valve 304 through the third channel 362. Thepassageways 323 (A) is then blocked by the flow control component 316,which instead places passageways 323 (B) and (C) into fluidcommunication with one another. Rinse water flows in through thepassageway 323 (C), through the first passageway 354, upward through thepassageway 323 (B), and out of the multi-position valve 304, where itcan supply the rotating nozzle 306 with rinse water. After rinse wateris dispensed from the rotating nozzle 306, it may be sucked out of themeasuring container 302 through the multi-position valve 304.

When the valve is instead rotated counterclockwise from the positionshown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, a “MEASURE” function is produced. In the“MEASURE” orientation, the vacuum source is placed in fluidcommunication with the passageway 325 (2), and the passageway 325 (1) isblocked by the flow control component 316. The low pressure created bythe vacuum source is applied to the top of the measuring container 302(e.g., the ball and cage valve 308), to draw flow from the outlet 110 ofthe coupler into the measuring container 302. The passageways 323 (A)and (D) are then placed into fluid communication with one another. Aspassageway 323 (D) is not coupled to anything, limited (if any) flowthrough the passageway 323 (A) occurs. The ball and cage valve 308inhibits overfilling the measuring container 302—the ball and cage valve308 is closed cutting off suction as the liquid in the measuringcontainer 302 floats the ball into a blocking/closed position.

FIGS. 28-29B illustrate a chemical induction unit 400 according to oneembodiment. The chemical induction unit 400 includes a drain pan 402defining a funnel 404 and a nozzle 406 (e.g., the Hypro® ProClean™ Plusnozzle) that can be coupled to a fluid source, such as a container 104.A coupler 102 can be coupled to an outer surface of the drain pan 402. Acover 408 can be rotatably coupled to the drain pan 402 to selectivelyenclose the funnel 404. When the cover 408 is closed (shown in FIG.29A), the funnel 404 can be secured. In some embodiments, the cover 408extends outwardly beyond the drain pan 402 to cover a portion of thecoupler 102. The cover 408 can be rotated upward about a hinge 410,exposing the coupler 102, the funnel 404, and the nozzle 406. In someembodiments, the drain pan 402 includes an adapter 412, which can becoupled to a suction source (e.g., a vacuum). In other embodiments, theadapter 412 can be directly coupled to a sprayer, and can rely upongravity to transfer fluid out of the drain pan 402.

In some embodiments, the coupler 102 is used as a rinsing element towash containers 104 and caps 130. As described above, the coupler 102can receive the cap 130 of a container 104 into the cam lockingmechanism 132. Once the cam locking mechanism 132 has been locked, theprobe 112 can be raised into the container 104, where it can providerinse water. The rotating rinse head 216 can rotate 360 degrees aboutthe probe 112 to disperse water throughout the container 104. The rinsewater can then be drained through the outlet 110. The plug 192 of thecap 130 can be washed as well. The probe 112 and probe tip 170 can belowered into the body 106, and water can be provided to the inlet 108.The water travels upwardly through the probe 112, into the rinse waterpassage 244, and out from the cap rinse outlet 246, where it can cleanthe probe tip 170 and the plug 192 of the cap 130. The inner housing 140can be rotated relative to the body 106 to unlock the cam lockingmechanism 132, and the container 104 can be removed.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while theinvention has been described above in connection with particularembodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited,and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications anddepartures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to beencompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of eachpatent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as ifeach such patent or publication were individually incorporated byreference herein. Various features and advantages of the invention areset forth in the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A coupler for use in a closed transfersystem configured to selectively engage a container seated in fluidcommunication with the coupler, the coupler comprising: a body with aslot having an axial component; an outlet; a probe that extends from afirst end portion to a second end portion and at least partiallyreceived within the body, wherein the probe has a chamber defined by anouter wall and an inner wall extending from the first end portion to thesecond end portion, a probe inlet extending into the chamber through theouter wall at the first end portion, and a probe outlet extending intothe chamber through the outer wall at the second end portion, the probeconfigured to be movable relative to the body between a first positionand a second position to selectively control the flow of fluid throughthe outlet; a probe tip with a cylindrical bore configured to engage thesecond end portion of the probe, the probe tip having a probe tip outletconfigured to be substantially alignable with the probe outlet when theprobe is engaged within the probe tip; and a handle coupled to the probeand configured to interface with the slot, wherein axial movement of thehandle along the slot moves the probe between the first position and thesecond position.
 2. The coupler of claim 1, wherein the probe isconfigured to restrict the flow of fluid through the outlet when theprobe is in the first position and allow substantially unrestricted flowof fluid through the outlet when the probe is in the second position. 3.The coupler of claim 1, wherein the coupler is configured to meter theflow of fluid through the outlet through movement of the handle alongthe axial component of the slot.
 4. The coupler of claim 1, furthercomprising a rinse head configured to rotate about the probe tip, therinse head has an outer surface, an inner surface, and a vane extendingfrom the inner surface through the outer surface.
 5. The coupler ofclaim 4, wherein the vane of the rinse head is an axial vane.
 6. Thecoupler of claim 5, wherein the axial vain is defined by two parabolicwalls extending away from each other from the inner surface through theouter surface.
 7. The coupler of claim 4, wherein the vane of the rinsehead is a radial vane.
 8. The coupler of claim 7, wherein the radialvane is defined by a channel extending tangentially from the innersurface through the outer surface.
 9. The coupler of claim 4, whereinthe rinse head comprises two semi-annular components.
 10. The coupler ofclaim 1, wherein the probe tip has a top surface, a rinse outlet on thetop surface, and a rinse fluid passage that extends downward from therinse outlet configured to be in fluid communication with the probe tipoutlet.
 11. The coupler of claim 10, wherein the probe tip has a drainpassage that extends downward from the top surface.
 12. A coupler foruse in a closed transfer system, the coupler comprising: a body with anaxial slot; an outlet; a probe with an inlet near a first end of theprobe, a probe tip near a second end of the probe, and a channelconfigured to supply a fluid from the inlet to the probe tip, the probeat least partially received within the body and axially movable relativeto the body between a first position and a second position to provideselective fluid communication through the outlet; and a handle coupledto the probe and configured to move within the axial slot; whereinmovement of the handle within the axial slot directly corresponds tomovement of the probe within the body.
 13. The coupler of claim 12further comprising a rinse head coupled to the probe.
 14. The coupler ofclaim 13 wherein the rinse head further comprises an outer surface andan inner surface received around a portion of the probe tip andconfigured to rotate around the probe tip.
 15. The coupler of claim 14,wherein the rinse head has an axial vane defined by two parabolic wallsextending away from each other from the inner surface through the outersurface.
 16. The coupler of claim 14, wherein the rinse head has aradial vane is defined by a channel extending tangentially from theinner surface through the outer surface.
 17. A coupler for use in aclosed transfer system, the coupler comprising: a body having a slotwith an axial slot portion and a radial slot portion; the axial slotportion has a top end and a bottom end; the radial slot portion has aterminal end and an intersecting end that intersects the bottom end ofthe axial slot portion; a probe received within the body and movablebetween a first position and a second position; a probe tip coupled tothe probe; and a handle coupled to the probe and movable along the slot,wherein movement of the handle from the terminal end to the intersectingend of the radial slot portion positions the probe for axial movementbetween the first position and the second position.
 18. The coupler ofclaim 17 further comprising a rinse head with an outer surface and aninner surface received around a portion of the probe tip and configuredto rotate around the probe tip.
 19. The coupler of claim 17, wherein theprobe tip has a top surface and a probe tip passage configured toprovide fluid communication between the probe tip outlet and the topsurface of the probe tip.